More players applied for The Duskbloods closed network test than for Elden Ring Nightreign, despite Switch 2 exclusivity

Despite being a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive, more players applied for The Duskbloods’ closed network test than for Elden Ring Nightreign’s test, From Software has claimed.

According to From Software producer Yasuhiro Kitao during a livestream hosted by Famitsu (translated by GamesRadar+), The Duskbloods test has been a huge success in terms of the number of players who applied to be part of it. “We were really surprised,” Kitao said.

The Duskbloods network test was marred by issues, perhaps due to this extreme popularity. The test was due to begin on August 21, however, many players were met with a message reading, “Failed to log in to The Duskbloods game server. Select “OK” to attempt to log in again.”

From Software ended the Network Test session early in response to the errors with a statement on social media, saying, “We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused to those who were waiting for the first The Duskbloods network test due to game server issues.

“We regret to inform you that today’s session is now closed. We will continue to work on improving the servers and will announce future schedules at a later date.”

VGC went to Japan to speak to Hidetaka Miyazaki about The Duskbloods and the future of From Software.

“I did come into this not being a big PvP player, that is definitely one element of the discussion,” he told VGC.

“But while my nerves and reaction speeds are shot at this point, there are many other ways I can enjoy The Duskbloods and use the situation to my advantage. I like to sneak around and observe the battlefield and strike while others are fighting, or drop in as a third party and cause havoc, just mess with other players.”

“There are many ways to play The Duskbloods, and the main reason you’re playing this game is not necessarily to engage in PvP, but to win at the end of the day.”